VISA and Emirates have joined Coca-Cola and adidas in expressing concern at the allegations currently rocking FIFA, putting further pressure on Sepp Blatter on the eve of his potential re-election.

It is an indication that he will no longer be allowed to brush things under the carpet, with his head-in-the-sand “crisis, what crisis?” approach playing badly with the game’s leading sponsors. A Visa spokesperson said: “We ask that FIFA take all necessary steps to resolve the concerns that have been raised.”

Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ divisional senior vice-president of corporate communications, added: “Emirates, like all football fans around the world, are disappointed with the issues that are currently surrounding the administration of this sport.

“We hope that these issues will be resolved as soon as possible and the outcome will be in the interest of the game and sport in general.”

FIFA have six key partners in all, but so far Hyundai-Kia and Sony have kept their powder dry. The latter have recently bought Hawk-Eye and are awaiting the green light from FIFA to test and develop a goalline technology system.

Crisis, what crisis?

Interested parties have until Friday to submit their interest in taking part in tests scheduled for the end of the year.